Tom E. Steves, Sr., 68, died Tuesday, May 26, 2009. A well-known veteran of marketing and advertising, Tom’s career began in banking immediately upon his honorable discharge in 1961 from the United States Navy. Starting out as a “runner” for First National Bank in Little Rock (now Regions Bank), Tom also began a college career that concluded with his graduation in 1969 from Little Rock University (now the University of Arkansas at Little Rock). Concurrent with his graduation was his promotion to senior vice president of First National.

With a commitment to and affection for UALR, Tom served for seven years as an adjunct professor of marketing and advertising, instructing working students who attended the university in its evening class division.

In 1977, Tom joined Commercial National Bank of Little Rock where he rose to the position of executive vice president. In 1982, he left the banking profession to enter the advertising agency business as vice president and director of client services for Mangan Rains Ginnaven Holcomb, followed by executive vice president and chief operating officer for Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods, one of the largest advertising, marketing and public relations firms in the Middle South. A one-time client of CJRW, Tom realized a dream of helping run one of the region’s premier marketing communications companies.

In 2002, Tom received an invitation from former UALR classmate, Bob Birch, president and CEO of Twin City Bank, to join the new TCB as vice president of marketing. Working with Birch and the executive committee of the bank, Tom helped TCB grow to over $700 million in total assets with 17 branch offices. At the time of his death, Tom was serving as executive vice president and director of public relations for TCB.

Civic involvement was always one way Tom gave back to the community that provided him with so many opportunities. He serviced as board member for Carelink, Downtown Little Rock Partnership, and was active in Chamber of Commerce activities on both sides of the river. Tom was a member of the Public Relations Society of America, and previously served as president of the Main Street Argenta program, vice chairman of the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Pulaski County, and was a board member of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Alliance, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the Capital Club.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin C. Steves. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Robin, his son, Tom E. Steves, Jr., and his wife Mary Kay, daughter Hope Baker, one granddaughter, Victoria Brooklyn Steves, and his sister, Mary Ann Gajda, of Chicago and her husband Steve.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 30 at 10:00 am at First Assembly of God Church, Commercial & Burrow in North Little Rock. Visitation will be Friday, May 29, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Roller-Owens Funeral Home at 5509 JFK Blvd. in North Little Rock (501-791-7400)

The family asked that memorials be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd. Little Rock, AR 72210, or to Carelink, P.O. Box 5988, North Little Rock, AR 72119.